Want to break world record: India's 1st Paralympic swimmer

Karnataka lad Sharath Gayakwad is the first Indian swimmer to qualify for the Paralympics. Born with a deformed hand, Sharath has managed to swim against all odds to get there. But now his eyes are set on the London Paralympic event to be held in August. “I want to break a world record,” says Sharath.

Sharath, 20, has won 30 international and 40 national medals with the guidance and help of his coach John Christopher.

Currently Sharath is ranked 13th in the world in 100m breaststroke event.

Sharath also faced financial difficulties along his way. But he managed to pull through after he won a scholarship funded by a non-profit organisation.

As Sharath gears up for the Paralympics, he takes inspiration from his favourite sportspersons — swimmer Ian Thorpe and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. “This two sportsmen keep on improving themselves, they don’t compete with anyone.”

Sharath said, “There is a lot of pressure for the Olympics but whether I win or not, I’m concentrating on giving a good performance.”